Educational Outreach and Workshops for Bharatanatyam
Bringing Indian mythology and Bharatanatyam to life through immersive, interactive lecture-demonstrations designed for students and art enthusiasts.
A poster for my workshop demonstration tour in the Kumaon region, presented by SPIC MACAY. It is an unparalleled joy to take our cultural heritage to far-off lands and share the art of Bharatanatyam with children in the mountains.
Conducting a workshop for school students in Uttarakhand. My aim is to bring the history and practice of Bharatanatyam to children, especially in smaller towns, through interactive sessions that make learning a joyful experience.
An outdoor session with students in the beautiful valleys of Uttarakhand. These workshops are a form of *nrityasewa* (service through dance), focusing on sharing knowledge rather than just performance.
Demonstrating a Bharatanatyam pose for students during a SPIC MACAY workshop. It is incredibly rewarding to see their curiosity and enthusiasm as they learn about hand gestures (*mudras*) and the stories behind them.
The joy of dance is contagious. Here, students in a village in Uttarakhand participate enthusiastically in a workshop, learning basic hand gestures. It is a privilege to be part of this cultural exchange.
A short clip from a workshop in Uttarakhand, where I performed a piece on Lord Ganesha for the children. This composition, based on the verses of Saint Tulasidas, is always a favorite among young audiences.
A glimpse into a week-long tour of Kendriya Vidyalaya schools in the Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Mirzapur regions. It was a humbling experience to return to my hometown and share my artistic journey with the children there.
Speaking at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University on liberal arts, with a focus on dance as a subject. It is a dream come true to see universities begin to integrate dance into their mainstream curriculum, fostering holistic development.
A moment from my presentation of "Shikhandi" at the 'Collective' educators' conclave in Delhi. I spoke about "embedded education," our ancient system of learning through art, which allows for rediscovery at any age.
The official poster for my special performance at the 'Collective' conclave. The event brought together creative minds for innovative discussions, and I was glad to contribute by talking about education through art.
About Educational Outreach & Workshops
I structure my lecture-demonstrations to be hybrid, combining academic discourse on shastras with live dance performance. Whether it is a school assembly or a university seminar, the goal is interaction. I teach basics like mudras and expressions so that participants do not just watch, but actively engage with our shared cultural history.
At the core of my outreach is 'nrityasewa', or service through dance. My sessions are not static performances. They are structured dialogues that bridge the gap between ancient scriptures and modern curiosity.
What to Expect
My approach is driven by the 'Drishya-Adrishya' (Seen-Unseen) lens. In a typical session, we decode the symbolism in Bharatanatyam. I use screen projections for visual analysis, live vocal accompaniment, and physical demonstrations to show how these stories connect to our lives today.
Program Formats
- School & University Tours: These modules focus on the 'Contagious Joy of Dance'. We cover history, practical training in mudras, and interactive mini-performances. I have conducted these extensively in regions including Prayagraj, Varanasi, and the Kumaon mountains.
- Thematic Lecture-Demonstrations: For adult audiences and art lovers, I present deep-dives like the TRIKONA series. These sessions explore sacred geometry, Shaktism, and rare mythological narratives.
- Virtual Masterclasses: Distance is not a barrier to learning. I offer 60-minute remote sessions via Zoom or Google Meet, ideal for niche topics like manuscript analysis or Indian philosophy.
Logistics & Planning
I am based in Delhi but travel across India for in-person workshops. For institutional bookings, please note that requirements are minimal, typically involving a projector for slide decks and a standard PA system for audio backing tracks. My goal is to make these sessions accessible, whether you are a local school or a national university.
Himanshu Srivastava
I am Himanshu. My mother, Smt. Kamalini Nagarajan Dutt, taught me that dance is an investigation, not just a performance. I travel to share this research-based approach, helping students and rasikas see the deeper narratives within Bharatanatyam and our shared mythology.
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